timber cruise reference guide - tuolumne county, ca
TRANSCRIPT
TIMBER CRUISE REFERENCE GUIDE (FSH 2409.12)
ENDORSEMENT
Measurements for volume determination
of this timber meet current Region Five
cruising standards.
Name: _______________________________
Phone Number: ________________________
Forest: _______________________________
District: ______________________________
USDA – Forest Service R5-2400-28A (Rev. 2/2016)
TIMBER CRUISE REFERENCE GUIDE (FSH 2409.12)
Original release 05/2011
Revisions:
Page 24, Section “Trees that Fork” 1/18/2012
Page 20, Incense-cedar basal scar chart 3/5/2014
Page 12, Incense-cedar (Oligoporus amarus) fungus
Pencil Rot information 02/29/2016
Page 13, Red Ring Rot - Phellinus (Fomes) pini
Fungus information 02/29/2016
Page 14, Young growth ponderosa pine deduction
02/29/2016
Page 19, Pine and Douglas-fir large scar with rot
Deduction rule 02/29/2016
Page 1
SPECIES CODES
Alpha Alpha
Code Species Code Species DF Douglas-fir RF Red fir
PP Ponderosa pine ES Engelmann spruce
JP Jeffrey pine SS Sitka spruce
SP Sugar pine MH Mountain hemlock
WP Western white pine WH Western hemlock
LP Lodgepole pine IC Incense-cedar
KP Knobcone pine PO Port Orford-cedar
WF White fir WR Western red-cedar
BASAL AREA FACTOR (BAF) and PLOT RADIUS FACTOR
BAF PRF to face PRF to center
5 3.847 3.889
10 2.708 2.750
15 2.203 2.245
20 1.902 1.944
25 1.697 1.739
30 1.546 1.588
40 1.333 1.375
46.94 1.227 1.269
50 1.188 1.230
54.44 1.137 1.179
60 1.081 1.123
62.50 1.058 1.100
70 0.997 1.039
71.11 0.989 1.031
80 0.930 0.972
80.28 0.928 0.970
90.00 0.874 0.916
75.62 1.000
To calculate other PRFs: PRF(Center) = 8.696
BAF
PRF(Face) = PRF(Center) - 0.042
Page 2
Plot Calculations
Variable Plot Limiting Slope Distance
LDs = DBH X PRF X SCF
LDs = Limiting Slope Distance
DBH = Diameter at Breast Height
PRF = Plot Radius Factor
SCF = Slope Correction Factor
Fixed Plot Limiting Slope Distance
Plot Radius to face = Plot Radius - (.5*DBH / 12)
Plot Radius to face X SCF= LDs
Notes:
Measured Distance must be at or within the limiting distance for a
borderline tree to be counted.
Slope distance is measured from the point center to the face of the tree.
Cruise Method Codes:
100 = Classic 100%
3P = Classic 3P
3PPNT = 3P Point
FIX = Fixed Plot
F3P = Fixed Plot, 3P Subsample
PNT = Point (Variable Plot) P3P = Point, 3P Subsample
STR = Sample Tree
S3P = Sample tree, 3P Subsample
FCM = Fixed Plot Count/Measure
PCM = Point Count/Measure
Page 3
Relaskop
Bar Widths:
Distance Width from Width
value
to tree “A” to “B” of each bar
33' 1' 2"
66' 2' 4"
99' 3' 6"
132' 4' 8"
Circular Plot Measurements Radius
Acre Feet Meters
1/100 11.8 3.59
1/50 16.7 5.08
1/40 18.6 5.67
1/20 26.3 8.02
1/10 37.2 11.34
1/ 7 44.5 13.56
1/ 5 52.7 16.06
1/ 4 58.9 17.95
1/ 3 68.0 20.73
1/ 2 83.3 25.39
PLOT RADIUS = ACRE*13865 (in feet)
Example: 1/20 acre plot radius = 20/1*13865 = 26.3
Finding plot spacing:
)43560*/#(# plotsacres
Page 4
Prism
Keep the prism over the point, position its face so it is perpendicular to the
tree being measured. When more than 10% slope is involved between tree
and prism, rotate the prism around the line of sight by exactly the angle of
slope between the prism and the tree’s DBH.
Page 5
Techniques for Measuring trees with Abnormalities at
DBH
Relaskop:
Although any Basal Area Factor (BAF) can be used,the 75.6 Basal Area
Factor (BAF) is the most convenient and is located approximately in the
middle of the fifth white bar to the right of "0" on the scale (see diagram on
page 3 for approximate location).
Attach measuring tape to the center of the tree and while viewing
through the relaskop, back away until the tree is centered and touching
between "0" on left side of the scale and the middle of the fifth white bar to
the right. At this point, the distance in feet away from the tree equals the
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) in inches.
For example, a 24.3 foot distance equates to a 24.3 inch DBH.
The relaskop adjusts for slope when measuring diameters at any height
above the ground. When measuring diameter, take two measurements at the
same hight and at right angles (90 degrees) to each other and average those
values. Add the appropriate taper to estimate DBH. Use the relaskop for
abnormal diameters by shooting above DBH and adjusting for taper. Use
this method only if the point on the stem where the diameter resumes
normal taper cannot be measured with a tape.
Prism
Consider slope correction to accurately determine diameters. Measure from
center of tree to a point where the measured tree appears borderline through
the prism. Divide that distance by the Plot Radius Factor (PRF) for the
Basal Area Factor (BAF) used.
Example: BAF= 20
PRF to center of tree = 1.944
Borderline Distance = 35 feet as viewed through prism.
35/1.944 = 18.004 diameter = 18.0 inches
Page 6
Tree Taper Species Location Taper
Incense-cedar West-side 3" for each 8'
Incense-cedar East-side 4" for each 8'
all other species 2" for each 8'
Note:
This is a guideline only and if representative tree taper samples are
measured, the measured tree taper will prevail.
Leaning Trees:
Trees leaning 25 percent (about 15 degrees) or more from vertical require
special height measuring techniques. Two options for estimating leaning
tree heights are listed below.
Slope Correction Factor Method:
1. Measure vertical height to tree tip from a point perpendicular to tree lean.
2. Measure angle of tree lean, reading from the side of clinometer (in
Degrees).
3. Subtract the degree reading from 90
4. Find slope correction factor for step 3 angle.
5. Multiply vertical height by slope correction factor.
Page 7 Example:
Vertical height = 100 ft. Clinometer reading = 61° (a = 61)
90° - 61° = 29° Slope Correction Factor for 29°= 1.14
Corrected height = 100 * 1.14 = 114 ft
Pythagorean Theorem
1. Determine the horizontal distance by measuring from the tree bole to a
point directly under the tip of the leaning tree (a).
2. Determine the vertical distance from the ground to the tip of the
tree (b).
3. Determine the actual tree height by using the Pythagorean
theorem.
Tree Height =22 ba
Leaning Tree
PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
1. Determine horizonal distance from bole of tree to point directly under tip. Side a
a
2. Determine Vertical distance from ground to tip of tree. Side b
66 ft
b
Pythagorean Theorem.3. Calculate actual Ht. using
c a b 2 2
Tree height a b 2 2
c
Example 1:
Tree Height = 22 ba
a = 20
b = 75
Tree Height = 752022
Tree Height = 5625400
Tree Height = 6025 = 77.6 or 78 feet.
Page 8
Methods for Reducing Bias when Sampling Close to Boundaries
There are two methods approved for use in R5 when trees within the
population being sampled lie close to the boundary of the tract. The Mirage
method has been used extensively but has limitations with irregular
boundaries and other settings such as pockets of inclusion. The Walk
through method has fewer limitations. Consistently use one of these
methods in plot sampling when points fall inside, but near the unit boundary.
Consider only trees INSIDE the unit for cruise trees.
Procedure for Using the Mirage Method:
1. Determine “in” trees from the original sample point and list them (inside
unit only).
2. Measure the shortest perpendicular distance to the unit boundary from the
sample point.
3. Measure (extend) an equal distance beyond the boundary (outside unit).
4. Establish a “correction point” to determine “in” trees.
5. Determine “in” trees from the “correction point” and record those trees
inside the unit and previously selected in the original point. These trees
will be recorded twice.
Page 9
Procedure for Using the Walkthrough Method:
1. Determine “in” trees from the original sample point and record them
(inside unit only).
2. Measure the distance and direction from the sample point to the center
of each “in” tree.
3. “Walkthrough” the same distance and direction past the center of the
tree.
4. If the point so located falls outside of the unit boundary, tally that tree
twice.
In the above example, trees 1 and 2 would be tallied twice.
Page 10
20
0'
20
2.0
20
4.0
20
6.0
20
8.0
21
0.0
21
2.0
21
4.0
21
6.0
21
8.0
22
0.0
22
2.0
22
4.0
22
6.0
22
8.0
23
0.0
15
0'
15
1.5
15
3.0
15
4.4
15
6.0
15
7.5
15
9.0
16
0.5
16
2.0
16
3.5
16
5.0
16
6.5
16
8.0
16
9.5
17
1.0
17
2.5
13
2'
13
3.3
13
4.6
13
6.0
13
7.3
13
8.6
13
9.9
14
1.2
14
2.6
14
3.9
14
5.2
14
6.5
14
7.8
14
9.2
15
0.5
15
1.8
10
0'
10
1.0
10
2.0
10
3.0
10
4.0
10
5.0
10
6.0
10
7.0
10
8.0
10
9.0
11
0.0
11
1.0
11
2.0
11
3.0
11
4.0
11
5.0
66
'
66
.7
67
.3
68
.0
68
.6
69
.3
70
.0
70
.6
71
.3
71
.9
72
.6
73
.3
73
.9
74
.6
75
.2
75
.9
50
'
50
.5
51
.0
51
.5
52
.0
52
.5
53
.0
53
.5
54
.0
54
.5
55
.0
55
.5
56
.0
56
.5
57
.0
57
.5
33
'
33
.3
33
.7
34
.0
34
.3
34
.7
35
.0
35
.3
35
.6
36
.0
36
.3
36
.6
37
.0
37
.3
37
.6
38
.0
25
'
25
.3
25
.5
25
.8
26
.0
26
.3
26
.5
26
.8
27
.0
27
.3
27
.5
27
.8
28
.0
28
.3
28
.5
28
.8
Slo
pe
Co
rrec
tio
n
Fac
tor
1.0
1
1.0
2
1.0
3
1.0
4
1.0
5
1.0
6
1.0
7
1.0
8
1.0
9
1.1
0
1.1
1
1.1
2
1.1
3
1.1
4
1.1
5
Slo
pe
%
10
-17
18
-22
23
-26
27
-30
31
-33
34
-35
36
-39
40
-42
43
-44
45
-47
48
-49
50
-51
52
-54
55
-56
57
-59
Slo
pe
Deg
rees
13
-14
15
-16
17
-18
19
20
-21
22
23
24
-25
26
27
28
29
30
S
lop
e D
ista
nce
Fo
r
Slop
e Co
rrec
tion
for C
linom
eter
Page 11
20
0'
23
4.0
23
6.0
23
8.0
24
2.0
24
4.0
24
8.0
25
0.0
25
4.0
25
8.0
26
2.0
26
6.0
27
0.0
27
4.0
27
8.0
28
2.0
15
0'
17
5.5
17
7.0
17
8.5
18
1.5
18
3.0
18
6.0
18
7.5
19
0.5
19
3.5
19
6.5
19
9.5
20
2.5
20
5.5
20
8.5
21
1.5
13
2'
15
4.4
15
5.8
15
7.1
15
9.7
16
1.0
16
3.7
16
5.0
16
7.6
17
0.3
17
2.9
17
5.6
17
8.2
18
0.8
18
3.5
18
6.1
10
0'
11
7.0
11
8.0
11
9.0
12
1.0
12
2.0
12
4.0
12
5.0
12
7.0
12
9.0
13
1.0
13
3.0
13
5.0
13
7.0
13
9.0
14
1.0
66
'
77
.2
77
.9
78
.5
79
.9
80
.5
81
.8
82
.5
83
.8
85
.1
86
.5
87
.8
89
.1
90
.4
91
.7
93
.1
50
'
58
.5
59
.0
59
.5
60
.5
61
.0
62
.0
62
.5
63
.5
64
.5
65
.5
66
.5
67
.5
68
.5
69
.5
70
.5
33
'
38
.6
38
.9
39
.3
39
.9
40
.3
40
.9
41
.3
41
.9
42
.6
43
.2
43
.9
44
.6
45
.2
45
.9
46
.5
25
'
29
.3
29
.5
29
.8
30
.3
30
.5
31
.0
31
.3
31
.8
32
.3
32
.8
33
.3
33
.8
34
.3
34
.8
35
.3
Slo
pe
Co
rrec
tio
n
Fac
tor
1.1
7
1.1
8
1.1
9
1.2
1
1.2
2
1.2
4
1.2
5
1.2
7
1.2
9
1.3
1
1.3
3
1.3
5
1.3
7
1.3
9
1.4
1
Slo
pe
%
60
-61
62
-63
64
-66
67
-69
70
-71
72
-74
75
-76
77
-79
80
-82
83
-85
86
-88
89
-91
92
-94
95
-98
99
-10
0
Slo
pe
Deg
rees
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
S
lop
e D
ista
nce
Fo
r
Slop
e Co
rrec
tion
for C
linom
eter
Page 12
Cull Indicators and Suggested Deductions
Timber Cruising Handbook FSH 2409.12 Chapter 20
Note: Cruisers shall use the guidelines contained in this section unless
documented local information is available.
Note: A young growth tree is < 150 years old or < 24” DBH.
Rots
Butt Swell
All species: Make no deduction for butt swell unless
associated with conks, scars, or other abnormalities. Apply the cull
deduction for the appropriate defect.
Conks
Incense-cedar (Oligoporus amarus) fungus Pencil Rot.
(See Photos 1 & 2) Information (Revised 02/29/2016)
Occurs on incense-cedar
Enters through fire scars or other wounds, and most commonly,
branch stubs.
Conks are most commonly found on the first two logs.
Conks destroyed by birds, worms, or insects have “shot-hole cups”
“Shot-hole cups” are small areas in the bark that resemble a shot gun
pattern. These areas are not always cupped.
Conks appear soft, white bracket shaped with smooth tan above
and Sulphur yellow below when young and shriveled brown to
black when old. Conks stay on trees for one year.
Deductions
If conk or shot-hole cup is found in the butt log, deduct 16 feet above
and 8 feet below each conk or shot-hole cup.
If conk or shot-hole cup is found above the butt log, deduct 16 feet
above and below each conk or shot-hole cup. Make no deduction in
the first 8 feet of the butt log. For example, with a conk at 20 feet,
deduct up to 36 feet and down to 9 feet above the forest floor for a
total linear deductions of 27 feet.
Conks Continued Page 13
Indian Paint (Echinodontium tinctorium) fungus – Red
Stringy Rot
(See photo 3) Information
Occurs mainly on true fir and hemlock
Conks occur mainly on trunk at limb stubs and knots. May occur on
branches but rarely.
Appears hoof shaped; upper surface rough, black, furrowed, and
cracked; lower surface covered with coarse, hard grayish spines
(teeth); interior rust or brick red.
Deductions:
Deduct
Below Above
Indicator lowest highest Two or more conks separated by 25’ or more Cull entire tree
Single conk, small(<3” wide) and a young tree 8’ 8’
Lowest conk is at 32’ or lower 12’ 21’
Lowest conk >32’ high; in bottom 1/3 of tree Cull bottom 2/3 of tree
Lowest conk >32’ high; in top 1/3 of tree Cull top 2/3 of tree
Lowest conk >32’ high; in middle 1/3 of tree 20’ 21’
Red Ring Rot – Phellinus (Fomes) pini fungus
(See photo 4) Information (Revised 02/29/2016)
Commonly occurs on Douglas-fir; ponderosa, sugar, &
lodgepole pine, causing white speck rot.
May also occur in incense-cedar, true firs, and hemlock.
Conks occur mainly on trunk at limb stubs and knots, but may occur
on branches.
Appears bracket like to hoof shaped; brownish-black upper surface
with concentric furrowed rings; lower surface brown.
Size and condition of conk indicates age and extent of cull. The
larger the conk the more related decay.
A single, small conk or a concentrated group of conks indicate
localized cull.
A series of conks indicates extensive decay.
Decay is more severe in pure stands, on shallow soils, and on steep
slopes.
Swollen knots often indicate the presence of this fungus.
Conks Continued Page 14 Deductions
Douglas-fir
If vertical distance between highest and lowest conk exceeds ½
tree height, cull tree regardless of conk size.
Deduct 4’ above and below a small (≤ 3” wide) conk.
Deduct 8’ above and below a medium (> 3” to ≤ 6” wide) conk.
Deduct 16’ above and below a large (> 6” wide) conk.
Hemlock and true fir
Deduct 8’ above and below each conk on a young growth tree.
Deduct 16’ above and below each conk on an old growth tree.
Pine and Incense-cedar
Deduct 2’ above and 4’ below each conk.
Young growth Ponderosa pine (Revised 02/29/2016)
(< 150 years old or < 24” DBH)
Do not deduct more than 8’ from any log.
One or more conk(s) over 4 feet from the end of log. Deduct 4 feet.
One or more conk(s) equal to or less than 4 feet from log end.
Deduct 2 feet of log(s) affected.
Knots
Rotten Knots
Information
Live or dead limbs or limb stubs that show evidence of decay or rot.
Associated with Red Ring Rot – Phellinus (Fomes) pini fungus.
Page 15
Deduction
All species
If knot appears rotten, but there is no sign of conk, then treat as a
swollen knot if swelling is present. Use swollen knot guideline for
the appropriate species. If not swollen or no evidence of conk, no
deduction is necessary.
Swollen Knots
Information
Bumps or bulges broken open and commonly associated with
Phellinus (Fomes) pini conk (Red Ring Rot fungus)
Deduction
Douglas-fir
Deduct 4’ above and 4’ below the swollen knot(s).
Hemlock and True fir
Deduct 4’ above and below each swollen knot on young growth trees
(< 150 years old or < 24” DBH)
Deduct 8’ above the highest and 8’ below the lowest swollen knot
for trees (> 150 years old or >24” DBH)
Pine and Incense-cedar
Do not deduct for swollen knots in pine and Incense-cedar.
Bleeding Knots
Information
No deduction for bleeding knots unless there is Phellinus pini conk
on tree.
Deduction Page 16
Douglas-fir
If knot shows evidence of conk (bleeding, exuding resin), treat as a
swollen knot for defect deduction.
Conks Continued
Quinine (Fomitopsis officinalis) fungus – Brown Trunk rot
(See photo 5) Information
Occurs on Douglas-fir, Ponderosa pine, Sugar pine, and rarely on
Incense-cedar.
Attached to trunk at branch stubs or on wounds.
Appears as hoof shaped, older conks are cylindrical; chalky white to
grayish; inside soft and white with a bitter flavor.
Deductions
All species
Cull entire tree for one conk.
Velvet Top (Phaeolus schweinitzii) fungus – Red Brown Butt
rot
(See Photos 6 & 7) Information
Conks occur mainly on forest floor around base of tree, may occur on
lower bole of tree.
Upper surface red brown; velvety yellow when fresh; becoming
corky with age.
Conks resemble cattle dropping.
Deductions
All Species
Cull the butt log if conk found on bole of tree.
If conk is found on the forest floor within the drip-line, or on roots
with an obvious association to the tree, deduct 8’ of butt log.
Conks Continued Page 17
Light Brown Yellow Top rot (Fomitopsis cajanderi)
Information
Found in coastal areas.
Occurs on all species but common to Douglas-fir.
Conks resemble Fomes pini, but are rose tinged (pink) when fresh
then turn yellow then brown with age.
Deductions
All Species
Deduct 8’ above and below each conk or group of conks.
Cracks and Scars
Frost Crack
Information
A separation of the bark with no or very little loss of bark and a
minimum of the outer wood (Cambium) exposed.
Deduction
All Species
Deduct 2’ if the crack is straight and extends the full length of the
log.
Deduct 2’ for each affected face if crack spirals.
Deduct .25’ (.13’ for Incense-cedar) per affected foot in butt log if
crack contacts the ground (butt log only).
For example, a nine foot long frost crack on a white fir contacts the
forest Floor; (9’ – 1’ stump = 8’) 8x.25 = 2’, or 13% of the butt log.
Cull deductions are additive for multiple frost cracks that do not
extend the full length of the log. Deduct 2’ for each 16’ linear length
of multiple frost cracks.
For example, a butt log has three 8’ long frost cracks totaling 24’.
2’ +1’ = 3’, or 13% deduction.
Cracks and Scars Continued Page 18
For example, 35’ feet of multiple frost cracks in a log would give
you two 16’ linear lengths. 4’ = 25% deduction.
Lightning Scar
Information
The spiral effect of lightning which results in bark being stripped
from the bole in a band, usually one to six inches wide.
Deductions All Species
Deduct the percent of a merchantable log affected by the scar.
Recent scars are superficial, look for sawdust, insect holes, or other
signs of advanced deterioration to determine the need for a
deduction.
Fire and Other Basal Scars in contact with forest floor
Information
Ignore wounds <10 years old unless they create a void.
Consider basal scars in contact with the forest floor as important
indicators.
The injury maybe overgrown with bark, include ingrowth when
measuring a scar.
A face equals 1/4 log circumference for the full length of the log.
Small Scar = < 1/2 the circumference of the tree.
Large Scar = ≥ 1/2 the circumference of the tree.
Deduction
Pine and Douglas-fir
No evidence of rot or abnormal swelling
Small Scar: Deduct none for (Pine and Douglas-fir) to a maximum
of 2’ (White pines).
Larger Scar: Deduct 4’ for each face or partial face of log occupied
by scar.
Page 19
Fire and Other Basal Scars in Contact with Forest Floor
Continued
With evidence of rot or abnormal swelling (Revised 02/29/2016)
Small Scar: Deduct 4’ for each face or partial face of log occupied
by scar.
Large Scar: Cull the first log. (L1 = 100%)
Hemlock and True fir
Scar Age Deduction
0 -10 years No deduction
11 - 20 years Deduct to upper limit of scar indicator.
21 + years and older Deduct 9' above upper limits of scar indicator.
Holes at Ground Level (True fir only)
Information
Trees with holes that penetrate the cambium in the root collar area (at
or near forest floor) usually indicate some type of root rot.
Deduction
True fir
Deduct 8’ of the butt log.
Page 20
Fire and Other Basal Scars in Contact with Forest Floor
Continued
Incense-cedar
Determine the number of faces affected by the basal scar. Determine
the height of the scar and related swelling. For each face or partial
face deduct one foot per 4’ of scar height (subtract 1’ stump height).
Double this deduction if sawdust, insect holes or other signs of
advanced deterioration are present. Do not deduct higher than the
affected area.
Fire and Other Basal Scars in Contact with Forest Floor
Continued
** 4’ Basal Scar 8’ Basal Scar 12’ Basal Scar 16’ Basal Scar
Affect
Faces Sound Rot Sound Rot Sound Rot Sound Rot
1 1’ 2’ 2’ 4’ 3’ 6’ 4’ 8’
2 2’ 4’ 4’ 8’ 6’ 12’ 8’ 16’
3 3’ 4’ 6’ 8’ 9’ 12’ 12’ 16’
4 4’ 4’ 8’ 8’ 12’ 12’ 12’ 16
** Allow one foot stump. (Revised 3/5/2014)
Page 21
Cracks and Scars Continued
Trunk Scars (do not extend to forest floor)
Information
An injury to a tree resulting in a loss of bark above the forest floor,
not in contact with the ground, which exposes the cambium to the
elements.
The injury may be overgrown with bark or callus, bark will show
ingrowth. Include ingrowth when measuring scar size.
Deduction
True fir
Deduct 1’ below and 2’ above the scar indicator.
Incense-cedar
Minimal, if any, rot or swelling occurs in Incense-cedar as a result of
a trunk scar.
Deduct the void within the merchantable log created by trunk scar.
Although there may be signs of sawdust, insect activity, or
weathering additional deductions are not needed.
All other species
Scar length Scar condition Deduction 16' or more Smooth Deduct 2' per 16' of log affected.
2' or more Bleeding, worm Deduct to limits of scar and/or
holes or rot resulting swell.
Page 22
Sweep and Crook
Information
Sweep is a gradual bow in the bole of the tree that leaves the
merchantable log.
Crook is an abrupt deflection in the stem.
Deduction All Species
Sweep; deduct the portion of the log outside the bend of log
merchantability. As a general rule, a deduction of 1/2 the length of
area affected by the sweep.
Crook; deduct the portion of the log that is within the limits of the
crook.
Dead or Broken Top
Information
Ignore recently killed or broken tops and dead or broken tops where
the defect deduction does not extend into the merchantable bole.
Old tops must exhibit one or more of these characteristics.
o Fine limbs (1” and less in diameter) missing.
o Bark slipped from main stem.
o Woodpecker excavation.
o Wood fiber decayed or deeply weathered (checks or cracks
wider than 1/10 the diameter of the stem).
Deduction
Incense-cedar
Deduct 2’ below break or visible evidence of “Older” top.
All other species
Deduct 4’ below break or visible evidence of “older” top.
Page 23
Dead Sucker Limb
Information
Limb or limb stub will usually appear to protrude from the stem at an
unnatural angle, and quite often appears to be unnaturally large in
comparison with other limbs at similar location on the trunk.
Deduction
All species
No deduction for live sucker limb.
Deduct 4’ below a large dead sucker limb old growth tree.
Deduct no more than 2’ below each dead sucker on log(s) of a young
growth tree.
Mistletoe Cankers
Information
Decay or evidence of dead wood must be associated with this
indicator.
No decay fungi are admitted if the bark is tight.
Decay occurs when the bark slips and exposes the wood.
Deduction
All species
Deduct to the limits of the swelling associated with open wounds.
Page 24
Pistol Butt
Information
A tree with a sharp crook near the butt; often caused by snow
pressure on steep ground giving the appearance of a pistol grip.
Deduction All Species
Project log cylinder down to stump height and deduct that portion of
the log.
If a pistol butt is over 6’ in length, consider it sweep and deduct that
portion of the log.
Trees that Fork (Revised 1/14/2012)
Information
Trees fork for several reasons with the two most common factors being
genetics and the result of new leaders produced from an old broken top.
This type of fork will show an “elbow” shaped curve where the new
leaser(s) have turned out and up and may result in more defect than
genetically produced forks.
Deduction
Genetically produced forks all species
Deduct 2’ for each fork from crotch down < 24” DBH.
Deduct 2’ - 4’ for each fork from crotch down ≥ 24” DBH.
For new leaders produced from breaks where the original leader is
evident
Deduct 2’ Incense-cedar
Deduct 4’ for all other species
If the original is not evident, follow the procedures for genetically
produced forks rule above.
Page 25
Trees Containing Foreign Material
Information
Treat all standing trees containing imbedded foreign material, such
as insulators, spikes, nails or wires that may create a safety hazard in
the milling process or to logging equipment in the following manner.
If the tree is to be removed, identify and point to the object with a
painted arrow. Preferably use a different color paint than that which
the tree was marked with.
If the tree is covered with foreign material and too costly to remove,
it should be considered as a wildlife tree.
Deductions
All Species
Examine each log to determine the following
Can the foreign material be readily removed? If so, make no cruising
deduction.
If not, make a length deduction for the portion of the log affected in
even 2’ multiples.
In cruisers judgment, cull the entire log(s) if it would result in a
safety hazard to individuals and or equipment.
Page 26
Average Scaling Cull in Utilized Bole
Percent of Gross Utilized Volume
DBH All
Pines
True
Fir
DF IC DBH
8 0 0 0 0 8.0-8.9
10 0 0 0 0 9.0-10.9
12 1 0 0 0 11.0-12.9
14 3 1 1 0 13.0-14.9
16 3 1 1 0 15.0-16.9
18 4 2 2 0 17.0-18.9
20 4 2 2 1 19.0-20.9
22 4 3 2 2 21.0-22.9
24 4 4 2 4 23.0-24.9
26 4 5 3 6 25.0-26.9
28 4 5 3 8 27.0-28.9
30 5 6 4 10 29.0-30.9
32 5 6 4 11 31.0-32.9
34 5 7 5 13 33.0-34.9
36 5 7 5 15 35.0-36.9
38 5 8 6 17 37.0-38.9
40 5 8 6 19 39.0-40.9
42 6 9 7 21 41.0-42.9
44 6 10 7 23 43.0-44.9
46 6 11 8 25 45.0-46.9
48 6 11 8 26 47.0-48.9
50 6 12 8 28 49.0-50.9
52 6 13 8 30 51.0-52.9
54 6 14 9 32 53.0-54.9
56 6 14 9 34 55.0-56.9
58 7 15 10 36 57.0-58.9
60 7 15 10 38 59.0-60.9
62 7 16 11 40 61.0-62.9
64 7 16 11 40 63.0-64.9
Page 27
AVERAGE DIB TOP UTILIZED (MUTD) (FOR CULL ESTIMATION)
DBH PP SP RF WF DF IC DBH
8.0-12.9 6 6 6 6 6 6 8.0-12.9
13.0-16.9 7 7 7 7 7 7 13.0-16.9
17.0-20.9 8 8 8 8 8 8 17.0-20.9
21.0-24.9 9 9 9 9 9 9 21.0-24.9
25.0-25.9 10 10 10 10 10 10 25.0-25.9
26.0-28.9 11 11 11 11 11 11 26.0-28.9
30 12 12 12 13 12 11 29-30.9
32 12 12 12 13 12 11 31-32.9
34 13 13 12 14 13 12 33-34.9
36 13 13 12 14 13 12 35-36.9
38 14 14 13 15 14 12 37-38.9
40 14 14 13 15 14 12 39-40.9
42 15 15 14 17 14 13 41-42.9
44 15 15 14 17 14 13 43-44.9
46 16 16 15 18 15 14 45-46.9
48 16 16 15 18 15 14 47-48.9
50 17 17 16 20 16 15 49-50.9
52 17 17 16 20 16 15 51-52.9
54 19 18 18 22 17 17 53-54.9
56 19 18 18 22 17 17 55-56.9
58 20 19 19 24 18 18 57-58.9
60 20 19 19 24 18 18 59-60.9
62 22 20 20 26 19 19 61-62.9
64 22 20 20 26 19 19 63-65.9
Page 28
HEIGHT CLASS, RANGE, & NUMBER
LOGS
Total Height ¹ No. 16.5'
Height Range Logs to
( 10' class) (Feet) 6" DIB Top
30 26-35 1
40 36-45 1-2
50 46-55 2
60 56-65 3
70 66-75 4
80 76-85 4
90 86-95 5
100 96-105 6
110 106-115 6
120 116-125 7
130 126-135 7
140 136-145 8
150 146-155 9
160 156-165 9
170 166-175 10
180 176-185 10
190 186-195 11
200 196-205 12
210 206-215 12
220 216-225 13
¹ Total height from ground to tip. Percent distribution of board foot volume
by 16 foot logs to average utilized top.
Page 28
Page 29
LOG CULL PERCENTS
Estimated Percent of 16.5
Distance Cull Log Affected
2 - 3 ft. 13%
> 3 - 5 ft. 25%
>5 - 7 ft. 38%
>7 - 9 ft. 50%
>9 - 11 ft. 63%
>11 - 12 ft. 75%
> 12 ft. 100%
* R5 Average cull and breakage studies show logs to right of
solid line are unutilized.
** The top log of 3 and 4 log Young Growth trees (Under 150
years <24” DBH) is unutilized; use percents shown in
parentheses.
Log Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
#
O
F
LO
GS
T
O 6
"
D.I
.B.
1 100
2 70 30
3 55 35 10
** ( 61) ( 39) ( * )
4 41 31 20 8
** ( 44) ( 34) ( 22) ( * )
5 34 29 22 15 *
6 28 24 20 16 12 *
7 24 21 18 16 13 8 *
8 22 20 18 16 14 10 * *
9 19 18 17 14 12 11 9 * *
10 17 16 14 13 12 11 9 8 * *
11 16 15 15 13 13 11 9 8 * *
12 15 14 13 12 11 11 9 8 7 *
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Page 30
Definitions
Catface - A defect on the surface of a tree or log resulting from a wound
where healing has not reestablished the normal cross section.
Conk -The fruiting body of a fungus denoting the presence of rot. The
conk may be of various shapes and sizes.
Defect – Any imperfection occurring in and affecting the quantity of
products for which the log is being cruised.
Drip line – This is the imaginary line drawn vertically from a trees outer
most branches down to the ground. Think of the tree as an umbrella
where water drips off the edge and hits the ground.
Eastside in R5 – An area of the region east of the Sierra
Nevada-Cascade crest between 4,000 and 6,500 foot elevation in
northeastern CA, the climate is cold and dry. The principle
species are PP and JP. The Western boundary follows a line
extending from Lake Tahoe NW through the eastern third of
Siskiyou County and CA state lines.
Exuding resin - Oozing out, displaying conspicuously or abundantly.
Face – 25% (one quarter) of the circumference of the bole.
Punky wood – A soft, weak, often spongy wood condition caused by
decay.
Shot hole cup – The depression left on an incense-cedar after
the fleshy conk has been eaten or fallen off. It is full of small
holes left by insects and woodpeckers; the pattern resembles that
of a shot gun.
Taper – The progressive decrease in the stem or bole diameter of a tree
from the ground or a specified point on the lower bole to the tip or a
specified point on the upper bole.
Page 31
Definitions Continued
Young growth – Less than 24 inches DBH or less than 150 Years old.
Bark is tight. Top has a pointed conical shape.
Old growth – Greater than or equal to 24 inches DBH or greater than or
equal to 150 years old. Bark is plated. The top is no longer pointed and
has rounded or flattened out.
Page 32
Data Field Instructions
Left justify alpha entries (A-) and right justify numeric entries (-15).
Tick marks on entry line indicated the maximum digits allowed for a
field.
Field 2- Plot Number: Record the plot number when entering data for
an area based cruised, otherwise leave blank.
Field 3 – Tree Number: Record the tree number. Make it unique in
each stratum; otherwise, FSCruiser will abort when it finds a duplicate
tree number.
Field 4 – Count/Measure: Record “M” for measure, “C” for count or
KPI trees.
Field 5 – Species: Record the species code from page # 1. Use alpha
codes.
Field 6 – DBH: Record to the tenth inch.
Field 7 - # Trees: Record the number of trees associated with this
record. For measure trees, this is usually1. For count records, record the
tree count.
Field 8 – Height: Record total height to nearest foot from uphill side of
tree at forest floor to tree tip.
Field 9 – KPI: Record the estimate of KPI in 3P, F3p, S3p, P3P and
3PPNT (biomass) Cruises. For measure trees with 3P code 1, enter the
estimated for the measure tree. For count or 3P code 9 trees, a SUM KPI
may be entered.
Field 10 – 3P Code: Record the 3P code from the following list:
3P Code Description
1 3P sample tree
2 Sample tree subject to Fall, Buck & Scale
3 Sure-to-measure tree
9 KPI or SUM KPI estimate
Page 33
Field 11 – Defects%: Record percent of total tree volume missing or
cull in the utilized bole. Use table on page 26 as a guide.
Field 12 – Top DIB: Record top diameter (enter MUTD or contract
minimum top DIB). Use table on Page 27 as a guide.
Field 13 – Sample Group: Record the sample group for this record. For
tree based cruise this is usually by species. For area based cruises this is
usually a single sample group. F3P is exception. The field can be used
for OG/YG or payment unit stratum.
Fields 14 – Live or Dead
Field 15 - %Defect by Log Position: Record the percent defect of each
utilized log. Leave blank if no defect is found.
Page 34
Photo 1
Incense-cedar conk (Oligoporus amarus)
Photo 2
Shot-hole cup
Photo 3
Indian paint conk (Echinodontium tinctorium)
Photo 4
Red ring conk (Phellinus [Fomes] pini)
Photo 5
Quinine conk (Fomitopsis officinalis)
Photo 6
Velvet top conk old (Phaeolus schweinitzii)
Photo 7
Velvet top new (AKA “Cow-pie conk”)
Not
es
98
76
54
32
1
14 L D
13 SG XX
12 Top
DIB
11 DEF XX
10 3 P
XX
9 KPI
XXX
8 HT
XXX
7#
Tree
sXX
X
6D
BHXX
.X
5Sp
ecie
sXX
X
4 C M
3Tr
ee#
XXX
2Pl
otXX
X1 Line 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
15Pe
rcen
t Def
ect b
y Lo
g Po
sitio
n
Uni
t#Sa
le N
ame
Nam
e
Tim
ber
Crui
se D
ata
Shee
t
Pain
t Col
orBa
tch
#
Page
o
fD
ate
PP/J
PSP
WF/
RFD
FIC
Not
es
98
76
54
32
1
14 L D
13 SG XX
12 Top
DIB
11 DEF XX
10 3 P
XX
9 KPI
XXX
8 HT
XXX
7#
Tree
sXX
X
6D
BHXX
.X
5Sp
ecie
sXX
X
4 C M
3Tr
ee#
XXX
2Pl
otXX
X1 Line 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
15Pe
rcen
t Def
ect b
y Lo
g Po
sitio
n
Uni
t#Sa
le N
ame
Nam
e
Tim
ber
Crui
se D
ata
Shee
t
Pain
t Col
orBa
tch
#
Page
o
fD
ate
PP/J
PSP
WF/
RFD
FIC
Photo 1
Incense-cedar conk (Oligoporus amarus)
Photo 2
Shot-hole cup
Photo 5a
Quinine conk (Fomitopsis officinalis)
Photo 5b
Quinine conk (Fomitopsis officinalis)
Photo 6
Velvet top conk on bole (Phaeolus schweinitzii)
Photo 7
Velvet top new (AKA “Cow-pie conk”)
Photo 3
Indian paint conk (Echinodontium tinctorium)
Photo 4
Red ring conk (Phellinus [Fomes] pini)